AirTran has requested the DOT revoke the unused Republic exemption so it can provide service from Denver to Cabo. They also say its unfair because Repiblic and Frontier have exemptions and if Republic were to start they wouldn't compete like AirTran would.

If FL/WN can use this exemption no doubt they would likely put it to use when the network is fully integrated (and before that without the connecting feed). SJD is generally more of a west coast destination and DEN could provide both O&D and feed from stations all around the country.

I'm hoping for LAS-SJD at some point but I'm not as sure it will happen now.

I don't see why the government wouldn't give this to FL/WN. Republic has sharply reduced the "F9" E-190 fleet and I can't see why they would put up any kind of fight to keep the authority. I doubt they have the aircraft availability to even do DEN-SJD with the E-190 anymore.

As for FL/WN's SJD station, I was surprised to see it open with the lone daily SNA flight. SNA itself isn't a very effective gateway to the network, only offering connectivity (in both directions) to NorCal and LAS! Of course, SNA did offer great incentives for new international service, and I bet the O&D on that route is very strong. DEN-SJD should have fairly decent O&D and provide connectivity to much more of the network, though. I wonder what else they could do to SJD. HOU, PHX, LAS, SAN, perhaps even SJC, OAK, SMF, ONT, ABQ, TUS, AUS, MCI, STL, and/or SAT! They won't be able to serve SJD from LAX, DAL, MDW, or SFO, though!

Quoting iowaman (Reply 1):I'm hoping for LAS-SJD at some point but I'm not as sure it will happen now.

This was discussed on another thread awhile back as to why there was no LAS-MX beach cities and the consensus was that Vegans have everything they need why go anywhere else. But with a large bank of ICOs in LAS by WN this could change.

SJD was/is a favorite spot for Colorado ski bums to thaw/dry out after the season ended.

Quoting airliner371 (Thread starter):AirTran has requested the DOT revoke the unused Republic exemption so it can provide service from Denver to Cabo. They also say its unfair because Repiblic and Frontier have exemptions and if Republic were to start they wouldn't compete like AirTran would.

That authority is there solely to block the route. DOT should easily be justified in taking it away, but I wouldn't be surprised to see RJET attempt to announce service to attempt the block.

Quoting enilria (Reply 8):That authority is there solely to block the route. DOT should easily be justified in taking it away, but I wouldn't be surprised to see RJET attempt to announce service to attempt the block.

I think it should go through like butter. I don't think Republic has any grounds to make a fuss, but who knows? I learned long ago not to try and second guess BB.

I disagree that getting the authority was a "blocking move" but if that's what anyone thinks I won't argue the point.

mariner

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